A Narrative of a Newbie

An Account of English Month 2014 Celebration

The new stage of my study is giving me excitement and bliss. The academics and
extracurricular activities are not just developing my knowledge but enhancing my skills as well.
Thus, making me a conversant student.
I had been particularly thrilled during the celebration of English Month held on October
2014. The month-long celebration was themed, Read Pinoy in adherent to National Reading
Month. Moreover, the English Department, headed by Mrs. Nelda J. Tingala, prepared a program
that aims to meet the following objectives: (1) Enhance the students skills in listening, speaking,
reading, writing, and viewing; (2) Promote and cultivate the students love for reading; and (3)
Develop camaraderie among teachers and students.
The following activities took place in sequence:
November 6, 2014 Reading Proficiency Contest. A representative from each section of
all levels was invited to join the said competition. He/She will compete against the other
representatives of the same level until one wins. The judges selected the top 2 winners from each
level so they come up with 8 winners in all.
November 10, 2014 Editorial Writing Contest. Several students joined the competition.
The contestants wrote what they know about the issues of Graft and Corruption and how they
feel about it. This contest tested not just their range of knowledge but also the veracity of what
they know about the issue being talked about.
November 10, 2014 Spelling Bee Contest. The contest was categorized in Easy,
Average, and Difficult round to eliminate the number of contestants until few were left to
contend for the last round. A Grade 9 contestant won at the end.
November 14, 2014 Scrabble Contest. Contestants showed up their skills in vocabulary
and playing with words. After eliminations, a Grade 7 representative won the contest.
November 17-20, 2014 Film Viewing. English teachers facilitated a viewing activity.
Students watched a certain movie and after which, they were tasked to write a movie review to
know the values they got from the film and how much they appreciate it.
November 21, 2014 Word Factory Contest. Another language contest for students who
enjoy vocabularies. Plenty of students joined the contest but only few were left to challenge for
the final round. In the end, a Fourth Year student won the contest.
November 24, 2024 Oratorical Contest. Students showed up their skills in public
speaking as they deliver the piece, Killing Myself by Chelyn Torejas. The one who had an
exceptional delivery caught the judges attention and was proclaimed the winner after tabulating
the scores. She was a representative from Grade 9 level.

November 25, 2014 Declamation Contest. Aside from delivering the piece, expressions
and emotions are highly sought for from the students who joined in this contest. After all
contestants were rated, another Grade 9 representative stood up in his outstanding performance
and was declared the winner.
November 26, 2014 Speech Choir Contest. The much awaited contest was held on the
last week of the month. Some groups of students from all levels compete against each other.
Aside from eye-catching costumes, the audiences were astounded by their performances. But
among all, a group from Grade 9-Anderson stand out with their performance and was declared
champion in this competition.
But while all the above mentioned activities were conducted, English teachers in this
particular month incorporated more reading lessons in their daily teaching. We were taught the
value of reading not just in our academics but also in our daily living. We read several stories,
passages, articles and news and get the gist from those materials. I learned that reading helps a
student like me to acquire general knowledge that can be used as time goes by. I too, learned that
to appreciate reading more, I should practice reading not just for academic purposes but for
leisure too. Thus, we were encouraged to include reading in our daily activities in school, at
home or wherever we are.
The Culminating Activity was held on November 28, 2014. Giving of awards and
recognitions to the students who participated in the month-long program was the highlight of the
program. I may say that it has been a happy day. Coming up on stage, rewarded with a medal
and certificate brings joy that seemingly cannot be equated by any means. True because I, myself
have experienced it.
As I tried to join several competitions from this month-long program I learned a lot from
the nature of a particular contest, trainings and practice to getting-to-know your competitors and
the like. But above all the things that I acquire, the valuable experiences I had will remain in me.
Surely, the other participants feel the same. Kudos to our English teachers for the success! A
celebration indeed!